Susan Sarandon: ‘I’m happy to be considered desirable’

Age 65: If you believe the old stereotypes, it's the beginning of the end — a time for retirement homes, knitting, and 4:30 p.m. dinners.

Well, not anymore. And certainly not for Susan Sarandon.

The acclaimed actress looks as stunning as ever, and certainly isn't running into any problems finding work at 65. She's currently starring as the mother of a slacker played by Jason Segel in the dark comedy flick "Jeff, Who Lives at Home," and has a recurring role as a seductive teacher who previously had affairs with high school students in NBC's "30 Rock.

"It's hard to be in this business and not be an alcoholic or a drug addict or bitter as an older woman," Sarandon says in the latest issue of People. I've had disappointments about not getting projects. You have to make your peace with it or get out."

The actress admits she hasn't followed "the plan" and been warned of the dangers of doing outrageous things like having children and growing older. "I was told by John Cassavetes when I did 'The Tempest' [in 1982] never to be a mom because I would not be sensual anymore," she shares. "Every time I had a baby and dropped out for a while, I never thought I'd work again."

The truth is, she has stayed sensual … and she knows it. "I'm happy to be considered desirable. I love it!" Her secret? "Breasts certainly help … but it's really more of an attitude. Sexuality means that you're saying yes to life."

Sarandon admits to having a little plastic surgery — some lipo under her chin and eyes — but insists she doesn't want to go overboard: "You don't want to look like a female impersonator of yourself. "

After splitting from longtime partner Tim Robbins, the father of two of her children, Sarandon says she found herself terrified and exhausted, having to learn how to go out and approach the world in a different way. As for reports she's dating a man 30 years her junior, her 34-year-old business partner, well you be the judge: "Dating is such a stupid word," she tells the magazine. "You can say we are collaborating in a lot of different areas."